What if some of the late 20th century's most recognizable voices came together for a freewheeling, no-egos goof? The debut by the Traveling Wilburys—George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and ELO's Jeff Lynne—is much more than novelty. Although the thematic glue is a love of 1950s rock 'n' roll and skiffle, layered with angelic harmonies and Jim Horn's bruising sax, each artist brings his distinct signature. The best songs (and hits) began with Harrison: perfect single "Handle With Care" and slice of sunshine that is "End of the Line." The Orbison-led "Not Alone Any More" is a pleasant lope that showcases his heartbreaking operatics. Petty's loose-limbed "Last Night" sounds like an outtake from his Full Moon Fever. Dylan's tracks, including the Springsteen-parodying "Tweeter and the Monkey Man" and rave-up "Dirty World," growl with an arched eyebrow. Also unmistakable is Lynne's more-is-more production, especially on Harrison's songs, including the spritely "Heading for the Light," and Petty's majestic-spooky "Margarita." Captured not long before Orbison's 1988 death, this album feels like a joyous gift. © Qobuz